How Do You Spell ANTIMINS?

Pronunciation: [ˌantɪmˈɪnz] (IPA)

The word "antimins" is spelled with five letters and three syllables: /æn.tɪ.mɪns/. In its original Greek form, the word means "instead of the tablecloth", which reflects its use as a liturgical textile in the Eastern Orthodox Church. The spelling of "antimins" is derived from the Greek word "antimínēs", which is pronounced similarly to its English counterpart. While the word may be unfamiliar to some, its phonetic transcription makes it clear how to pronounce and spell this significant aspect of the Orthodox liturgy.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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ANTIMINS Meaning and Definition

  1. An antimins, also known as an antiminsion, is a liturgical cloth used in the Eastern Orthodox Church and some Eastern Catholic Churches during the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. Derived from the Greek words "anti" (meaning "instead of") and "mystirion" (meaning "mystery" or "sacrament"), the term "antimins" signifies its role as a substitute for an altar stone upon which the Eucharist is consecrated.

    The antimins contains a depiction of the burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, often accompanied by scenes of key liturgical events, saints, or symbols of the Eucharist. It serves as a portable altar, allowing a priest to celebrate the Divine Liturgy in places where a permanent altar is not available. The antimins is an essential element for performing the Eucharistic liturgy, as it symbolizes the sacred Table of the Altar.

    Before the Divine Liturgy commences, the antimins is unfolded and placed on the altar table. It represents the consecrated altar and ensures that the Eucharist is celebrated on a holy surface. The antimins is consecrated by a bishop and bears his signature and seal, demonstrating its authenticity and connection to apostolic succession.

    The antimins resonates with the Byzantine understanding of the Eucharist as the central mystery of the church. It embodies the belief that the Eucharistic elements are transformed into the body and blood of Jesus Christ and emphasizes the sacramental nature of worship in Eastern Christian traditions.

Etymology of ANTIMINS

The word "antimins" is derived from the Greek language. It comes from the combination of two Greek words: "anti" meaning "in place of" or "instead of", and "mensa" meaning "table" or "altar". In the context of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, the antimins is a sacred cloth that serves as a substitute for a physical altar table during the Divine Liturgy. It contains relics of saints and is consecrated by a bishop. The term "antimins" was adopted from Greek into various languages, including English, to refer to this particular liturgical item.